50+ Ways to Celebrate Pride Month in Philly
From drag queen story times to food specials to prom, there are so many ways to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ community in Philly this month.
Celebrate Pride in Philly with parties, parades, drag performances, and much more. / Photograph courtesy of GALEI
June 1st marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time to commemorate the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn and celebrate the Pride movement and LGBTQ+ community. (Plus, did you know that Philadelphia’s first Gay Pride Day took place in 1972?) While Pride dates back over 50 years, in a present that’s seen attempts at “Don’t Say Gay” and anti-drag legislation, it’s more needed than ever. So, from drag shows to block parties, here’s how Philly is planning a month of events for the LGBTQ+ community and allies of all ages to celebrate.
First Things First
City of Philadelphia Flag Raising
The Office of LGBT Affairs will host its annual flag raising at City Hall to kick off Pride month and feature speakers from the community. June 2nd, noon, City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
The Pride March and Festival returns on June 4th. / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Pride 365: Philadelphia Pride March and Festival
There was some uncertainty over the future of Philly’s biggest Pride parade after the organization behind it dissolved, so we were relieved to see the return of the event. Galaei has taken up the mantle for programming under the banner of Pride 365.
The celebration includes a parade that starts at the National Constitution Center as well as food trucks, wellness events, and performances all over the Gayborhood from Walnut to Cypress streets, and Quince to Juniper streets. While floats and vehicles will not be permitted, look for the giant 200 feet long record-breaking pride flag to be unveiled. (It’ll be the largest Pride flag in Philadelphia history and aims to set the record for the biggest in Pennsylvania!) The march will kick off at 6th and Walnut at 10:30 a.m. with speeches from community leaders and a land acknowledgment from the Lenape Tribe. When the march reaches the Gayborhood, the festival will begin, running from noon to 7 p.m. For 2023’s celebration, Galaei has selected “Love, Light and Liberation” as the theme. June 4th; march at 10:30 a.m. at 6th and Walnut streets, festival from noon to 7 p.m. in the Gayborhood.
Suburban Pride Celebrations
- Delco hosts its first (!!!) Pride parade, in Media on June 3rd; plus a Pride Festival in Upper Darby (June 10th) with music and kid-friendly activities.
- Narberth presents Pride at the Park, a youth-led celebration, on June 24th (see below for more details).
- Bucks and Montgomery counties have combined forces for Bucks-Mont Pride on June 25th at Abington Art Center.
- Meanwhile, Doylestown gets ambitious with a weeklong Pride fest from June 17th through 25th, with all sorts of pop-up events, film screenings, parties and, of course, a drag brunch.
More Block Parties
Evil Genius Pride Block Party
Evil Genius kicks off Pride with an all-ages block party at their Fishtown lab. There will be live music, free axe-throwing and face-painting, LGBTQ+-owned vendors and more. Plus, they’ll be serving their #LoveisLove strawberry blonde ale which benefits the Trevor Project. June 3rd, noon-6 p.m., Evil Genius, 1727 North Front Street.
Queerapalooza
Giovanni’s Room on 12th Street is the oldest LGBTQ+ and feminist bookstore in the country. The shop turns 50 this year, and to celebrate, they’re shutting down the block to present a brand-new music festival on June 10th. Queerapalooza will feature local queer musicians, DJs and drag performers. June 10th, noon-5 p.m., 12th and Pine streets.
Fun & Games
The Philly Pride Run returns on June 10th / Photograph by Hon. Daniel J. Anders
Pride Skate
The roller-rink at Dilworth is already decorated in rainbow streamers for the season, so you just need to dress up to match. Philly Drag Mafia hosts the event, which also includes performances, DJ music, and menu specials including rainbow treats and a “Taste the Rainbow” cocktail. June 3rd, 6-8 p.m., Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street.
Philly Pride Run
The William Way Community Center, Lez Run Running Club (love the name!), and Out Philadelphia Athletic League are joining forces to bring the Philly Pride Run back for the seventh year. This time around, on June 10th, the run moves from Fairmount Park to the Navy Yard area. The run includes a 5K (chip-timed with prizes for the top three Female, Non-Binary and Male divisions) and a 1K untimed fun run with prizes for the top three most festive participants. Pre-register online. June 10th, 8 a.m., Navy Yard (Broad Street and Intrepid Avenue).
Soirées
Pride Weekend at W Philadelphia
W Philadelphia is celebrating Pride all weekend long with performances, parties, and more. It kicks off on June 2nd with with Porkroll, Philadelphia’s underground queer dance party from DJs Redevil and The Nightowl on the WET Deck. The next night, Polari DJs host the aptly named Poolari party, also on the WET Deck, with music, dancing and drag performances. That day also begins the weekend-long SOUVENIR & Friends Marketplace in the hotel’s Secret Garden, where you can sip cocktails and shop local LGBTQ+ vendors. The weekend wraps up on Sunday night with Rhinestone Jetski, a Pride after-party hosted by drag queen Moon Baby, and featuring drag performances, including headliner Charlene Incarnate from HBO’s Documentary Wig. June 2nd-4th, W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street.
Pride Boat Party
Kick off Pride on the river at this massive party hosted by Sway Philly aboard the Moshulu. Dance the night away on three decks with DJ music, pop-up performances, bars, views and more. Tickets available online. June 2nd, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., 401 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
BOS presents: Candyland
BOS Philly transforms Concourse Dance Bar into “Candyland” with a huge, “lickable,” sugar-fueled DJ dance party that’s definitely 21-and-up. Tickets available online. June 3rd, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., 1635 Market Street, back entrance.
“The Prom of Your Dreams”
Sip City Pride’s soirée invites women, trans and non-binary prom guests to W Philadelphia for a swanky extravaganza. “The ballroom will be decked out in full floor to ceiling rainbow lights, clouds, dreamy balloons and bubbles, feathers and flowers. It’s simply not possible to fully describe the magical and otherworldly land you’ll be walking into.” June 10th, 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m., W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street.
Galaei Presents: Queer Prom
Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts an 21-plus prom with DJ music and live performances. This year’s theme is “Queer Fashion Through History.” Proceeds from tickets fund a Galaei’s Queer Prom for teens, which takes place earlier in the evening (see below). June 10th, 9 p.m.-midnight, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Science After Hours: Summer Ball
The Franklin Institute’s popular adults-only event returns for the summer with a Pride-themed party and access to the museum and its roof deck. This year’s theme is “Self Reflect(ive)” which adds a mental-health focus to the evening, including flash talks by local professionals — and invites attendees to dress in their sparkliest outfits. Dance in the Planetarium, watch drag performances curated by Eric Jaffe, learn about the history of ballroom with director and choreographer Kemar Jewel, and more. Food and drink are available at cash bars. Tickets available online. June 16th, 7:30-11:30 p.m., Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.
Drag
Brittany Lynn hosts Drag Tea at the Sofitel every Saturday during Pride month / Photograph courtesy of the Sofitel
Sofitel’s Drag Tea with Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia
If you’ve been wanting to find a drag show to bring your mom to, this is probably the one — think mimosas, macarons and Madonna. For all four weekends of Pride month, Brittany Lynn headlines this posh tea with her Drag Mafia. So, get your fascinator ready (and bring some dollars for tips!). It’s a lot of fun, plus a portion of proceeds will go to support Mazzoni Center. June 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th, 2-4 p.m., Sofitel, 120 South 17th Street.
Drag Brunches at Evil Genius
All June long, Evil Genius hosts weekly themed Sunday brunch, from Moira Rose to the pop-punk “Panic! at the Drag Show.” June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th; 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 North Front Street.
Performances at Franky Bradley’s
Mark Bee’s kitschy restaurant and bar has performances and events all Pride Month long, including:
- June 4th, 6-11:30 p.m.: Red Bull Curates Pride with performances by icons Eric Jaffe, Vinchelle, Iris Spectre and more.
- June 17th, 7:30 p.m.: “An Ode to RuPaul’s Drag Race”
- June 20th, 8 p.m.: “Lavender Queens: Love. Purpose. Community.” brings together drag performers from both New Hope and Philadelphia for a one-night performance benefiting Mazzoni Center.
1320 Chancellor Street.
Events at Fat Lady Brewing
Manayunk’s wonderfully welcoming and offbeat Fat Lady Brewing hosts a month of Pride events, including film screenings, dance parties, and lots of drag. Some highlights:
- June 3rd, 8:30 p.m.: Strike A Pose!, a “lip-sync smackdown” where six contestants head to the runway and compete to win over the judges and the audience.
- June 15th: Drag Bingo, hosted by Stefani Steel and Lucy Moth
- June 17th, 8 p.m., Tassel Time Warp includes burlesque, drag and go-go dancing. A portion of ticket sales will go to Attic Youth Center, Code Red, and William Way Community Center.
Fat Lady Brewing, 4323 Main Street.
GayBINGO
For over 20 years, GayBINGO has raised money for AIDS Fund with a monthly themed bingo game hosted by the “Bingo Verifying Divas.” This month, the theme is “Sock Hop.” They’ll also be collecting new school supplies for children affected by HIV. Tickets available online. June 10th, 7 p.m., Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 615 North Broad Street.
Big Wig Drag Brunches at Punch Line
Every Saturday afternoon, Big Wig hosts a themed drag brunch, from Beyoncé to superheroes. See the themes and buy tickets online. Two dollars from each ticket purchased for June brunch events will be donated to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund. June 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th at noon, Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel Street.
Drag Tea at Assembly Rooftop
Dominique Lee and her fellow queens strut their stuff on Assembly Rooftop’s ninth-floor terrace overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Tickets are $75 and include a four-course meal and a welcome cocktail. June 11th, 10 a.m., Assembly Rooftop Lounge, 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Bark After Dark
Manayunk’s new “social club for dogs,” Bark Social, is hosting a dog-friendly drag show! That’s right: Your dogs are welcome (as long as they’re registered with Bark Social and have up-to-date vaccinations) to enjoy drag alongside you! June 16th, 8-10 p.m., Bark Social, 3720 Main Street.
More Drag Events with Brittany Lynn
In addition to the Sofitel’s Drag Tea, you can catch Miss Brittany Lynn and her friends for brunch around town. On June 4th, The Cauldron is hosting a magical Pride kick-off variety show. Then, June 25th they’ll be a Cav’s Riverdeck. Prefer nighttime? Head to Bok Bar on June 22nd at 7 p.m. for some rooftop drag.
More Performances
Billy Porter
From Kinky Boots to Pose — and just one win shy of an EGOT — Billy Porter needs no introduction. He’s bringing his Black Mona Lisa tour to Philly in support of his album of the same name. June 1st, 8 p.m., The Met, 858 North Broad Street.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Pride Concert
You probably never dreamed that a Philadelphia Orchestra event would touch Lady Gaga. But for its second Pride concert, they’re breaking out “Born This Way.” On the bill: the ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir, the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, and the Philadelphia Voices of Pride. Bonus: The show is free. (Tickets must be reserved online.) Double bonus: Don’t miss the cabaret pre-show in the Kimmel’s Plaza beforehand, featuring John Jarboe of local gender-bending troupe the Bearded Ladies and a drag queen story time with Vinchelle. June 3rd, 7 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Big, Gay Cabaret
Directed by Joe Madsen and hosted Brittany Lynn, the Big, Gay Cabaret showcases “Pride in all its forms” with singing, comedy, dance and multimedia segments. June 10th, 7-10 p.m., Voyeur, 1221 St. James Street.
PRIDE Solstice: the Philadelphia Freedom Band in Concert
Join the Philadelphia Freedom Marching Band in celebrating PRIDE Solstice outside Parkway Central Library as they perform a selection of music including songs by Elton John, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato, and more at this free, all-ages event. June 21st, 7:30 p.m., Shakespeare Park, 1901 Vine Street.
Queer Comedy Night at Fat Lady Brewing
A night of queer-inspired comedy hosted by comedian Gray West, and featuring Philly-area comedians. Tickets available online. June 23rd, 8 p.m.-midnight, Fat Lady Brewing, 4323 Main Street.
PRIDE: Poets in the Park
Local poets Boston Gordon, Campbell Simmons and Sean Hanrahan will read selections from their works and discuss their craft with the audience at this free event hosted by the library. June 26th, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Shakespeare Park, 1901 Vine Street.
You Can’t Kill a Poet
Now in its ninth year, this poetry series invites queer and trans poets from Philadelphia to share their work and “fill the room with queer experience.” They’re hosting a free event at Tattooed Mom in partnership with the Free Library. Must be 21 or older to attend. June 28th, 7:30 p.m., Tattooed Mom, 530 South Street.
Kid-Friendly Events
Drag Queen Story Time / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Drag Queen Story Times
If you want to take your kid to any Philly Pride events, Drag Queen Story Time should be first on your list. Little ones will be uplifted by messages of love, individuality, and tolerance as they are regaled with stories and songs. Brittany Lynn even wrote her own children’s books, so don’t miss out on them, either!
- June 2nd, 11 a.m. at Fishtown Library, 1217 East Montgomery Avenue, with Brittany Lynn
- June 9th, 11 a.m. at Independence Library, 18 South 7th Street, with Jarbeaux (a.k.a. John Jarboe) of The Bearded Ladies Cabaret leading a musical drag storytime
- June 10th, 4 p.m. outside Mister John’s Music, 904 South 9th Street, with Maria Topcatt (Note: this one is not free; tickets are available online)
- June 14th, 10:30 a.m. at Andorra Library, 705 East Cathedral Road, with Brittany Lynn
- June 15th, 10:30 a.m. at Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, with Navaya Shay
Pride Weekend at Please Touch Museum
Pride Weekend at the Please Touch Museum kicks off on June 10th with activities including storytimes, a collaborative mural and performances by kiddie musicians with a social-justice focus, Ants on a Log. All events are free with museum admission. June 10th and 11th, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
Pride Day at Philadelphia Zoo
Celebrate Pride with a day out at the zoo. Local LGBTQ+ organizations have been invited to talk about their services, and guests are invited to show off their Pride by wearing their most colorful rainbow outfits for a chance to win Zoo tickets for a future visit. June 10th, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue.
Family Pride Day at the Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute celebrates Pride with science demonstrations and shows, including performances curated by drag queen Eric Jaffe, ballroom and voguing with Kemar Jewel, screenprinting, photo ops and more. All activities are included with museum admission. June 17th, noon-4 p.m., Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.
Pride at the Park
A welcoming, educational, youth-led celebration for Narberth, Lower Merion Township, and surrounding areas by featuring LGBTQIA+ (and allied) artists, performers, organizations, and businesses. June 24th, noon-6 p.m., Narberth Park, Narberth.
Drag Camp
Tweens and teens (suggested age is eight and older) will learn some drag history, create their very own drag personae, and learn how to walk and sashay. This event is capped at 25 participants, and requires pre-registration online. June 28th, 3:30 p.m., Fishtown Community Library, 1217 East Montgomery Avenue.
Pride Jam
Social-justice-focused kids’ band Ants on a Log hosts an all-ages musical celebration of queer kids, families, and allies at the library. June 29th, 4 p.m., Philadelphia City Institute, 1905 Locust Street.
Just For Teens
Queer Prom
Galaei hosts an inclusive “alternative prom” for high-school students at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This 25-year tradition is free for teens to attend — pre-registration is required. June 10th, 6-9 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Youth Queer Lit Fest
Young people age 10-19 are invited to join the library for a free celebration of queer middle-grade and teen books, including giveaways and book talks. Pre-register online. June 24th, 1 p.m., Philadelphia City Institute, 1905 Locust Street.
Pride Month SAGA Dance Party
The Free Library’s Field Teen Center hosts a SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Acceptance) group where LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies can socialize and discuss issues affecting the queer community. For this Pride Month get-together, the group will also be playing the video game Just Dance. For ages 12-18. June 29th, 3 p.m., Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street.
Shopping
Pride Month Maker’s Market at Hyatt Centric
The Hyatt Centric is showcasing queer-owned and operated small businesses and artists. Locally made offerings include jewelry, clothing, bath bombs and soaps, ceramics and more. The market is open to the public and free to attend. Also that day: Four Star Drag brunch! June 3rd, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Hyatt Centric Center City, 1620 Chancellor Street.
Pride Day Market + Party at Dock Street South
Dock Street will host live music and LGBTQIA artists and makers showcasing and selling their art, jewelry, decor and more at this free event. June 3rd, 1-5 p.m., 2118 Washington Avenue.
Food and Drink Specials
Cocktails for a Cause for Pride Month / Photograph courtesy of FCM Hospitality
Cocktails for a Cause by FCM Hospitality
FCM Hospitality is running a month-long fundraiser for four local charities across its 11 venues: Liberty Point, the Garden at Cherry Street Pier, the Dolphin, Morgan’s Pier, Craft Hall, Parks on Tap, Rosy’s Taco Bar, Harper’s Garden, Lola’s Garden, Noche, Concourse Dance Bar and Juno. Each restaurant will have a drink of a different color (corresponding to the colors of Philly’s own inclusive Pride flag), and proceeds from each drink will benefit local LGBTQ+ charities. June 1st-31st, various locations.
Pride Month Flight at Jet Wine Bar
Grab an outdoor table in Jet’s mural-covered wine garden and enjoy a $45 flight of six candy-colored wines in every color of the rainbow. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the William Way LGBT Community Center. June 1st-31st, Jet Wine Bar, 1525 South Street.
Evil Genius Releases #LoveIsLove Special Edition Beer
To celebrate Pride, Evil Genius is releasing a limited-edition #LoveIsLove strawberry blonde ale, with a portion from all sales donated to The Trevor Project. You can find the 12-ounce cans at the Evil Genius Lab in Fishtown, as well as distributed throughout the city’s bars (they’re also available for delivery through GoPuff). Bonus: Come to their #LoveIsLove release party on June 1st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a first taste. 1727 North Front Street.
Rainbow Bagels at Bagels & Co.
In addition to being the brightest breakfast in town, $1 from every rainbow bagel sold at all Bagels & Co. locations in June will be donated to William Way LGBT Community Center. June 1st-31st, various locations.
